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Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 60, 5 June 1863, Page 2

(To ihe Editor ofthe Invercargill Times.) Sir, —Had I been a nervous person, I would have sustained a severe shock, after perusing the epistle in your last publication, signed "A Chip of the Old Block." Not being at all addicted to hysterics, T did not give way to them on this occasion, though I am sure there was ample excuse if T had. To be taxed with irreverence —almost infidelity—and lack of good breeding, is enough to upset the nerves of any ordinary person, if reason did not say that the charges were quite unfounded, as I consider they are in this case. What is " the head and front of my offending?" With justice 1 complain of a certain clergyman pro'onging the services of his church to an unreasonable extent, and forthwith the "old Block" (pardon the abbreviation) charges me with t: putting my hand into the Ark," and meddling with tint whicli is sacred. Now any candid person will admit I did nothing of the kind, yet to judge from the platitudes indulged in by your correspondent, one might suppose that I had attacked the most vital tenets of Christianity. So far from me having any intention to do that, I may state that I will yield to none in my reverence for the great, teachings of the Gospel. Adhering strietlv to them, I repeat it is not listening to lame discourses of an hour and a half's duration, which constitutes worshipping the Deity. I have had the pleasure of hearing nearly every mm; ster of note in Scotland, and under the most eloquent and learned the whole services never exceeded an hour and a half. These men know what human nature can bear; they know that long sermons are not conducive to pious feelings, and wisely confine themselves to short, pithy discourses, which leave on the hearer an impression vastly different from thafc weary fealing so often felt by those who attend the Presbyterian Church here. But, the " Old Block" affirms I ought to have " put myself in friendly communication with some of the influential members of the congregation, and through them got a proper representation made to the clergyman." Sir, how is a new arrival to know who are. and who are not, "influential members of a congregation ? " The most prominent person I see about the one here is the Beadle, Mr William Steel. Should I have applied to him ? I think not. I chose rather to turn to your columns; and, after the example ofthe " Old Block," I might here enlarge to any length on the " Press," its power and influence, but regard for your space makes me forbear. If it was unpardonable temerity to offer a bit of advice to the Rev. Mr Stobo, I crave his pardon. Still, I would remind your correspondent and him (slightly altering Canute's Speech) — " A priest is hut a man, Aud a man is but a worm." I am, &c, A StEANGEB.